Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like your spouse or a close family member, in order for them get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply due to laziness or forgetfulness.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5) requires that adults meet specific criteria for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to how do you get a diagnosis of adhd complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and build self-confidence.
Having a good support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.